Cathay Pacific Airways launched its direct flight service between Hong Kong and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on March 2, complementing the carrier’s current four-times-daily service from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Hong Kong.

Chief Operating Officer of Cathay Pacific Airways Rupert Hogg, who was in New York March 20 to celebrate the launch, spoke at a breakfast event organized by HSBC and the Hong Kong Association of New York.

The Acting Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York, Paul Cheung, welcomed Mr. Hogg's visit and congratulated Cathay Pacific on its fifth daily direct flight between Hong Kong and the New York metropolitan area.

"Hong Kong and New Jersey have all along enjoyed close ties, with New Jersey exporting over US$844 million worth of goods to Hong Kong in 2013," Mr. Cheung said. "We wish Cathay Pacific every success with its new Newark service and we look forward to even stronger links between New Jersey and Hong Kong."

At the launching ceremony, Mr. Hogg spoke about the role of Hong Kong as a global aviation hub and what it means to maintain Cathay Pacific's preeminent position as a gateway to Asia.

The launch of the Newark service will provide more convenience and greater flexibility for passengers traveling to and from the New York metropolitan area. Newark is Cathay Pacific’s fifth gateway in the United States and seventh in North America. The airline also serves Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver.